Over the past several months, my Administration has been reviewing our
policy towards North Korea. We have recently discussed the
results of our thinking with our close allies, South Korea and Japan.

We have now completed our review. I have directed my
national security team to undertake serious discussions with North
Korea on a broad agenda to include: improved implementation of the
Agreed Framework relating to North Korea's nuclear activities;
verifiable constraints on North Korea's missile programs and a ban on
its missile exports; and a less threatening conventional military
posture.

We will pursue these discussions in the context of a comprehensive
approach to North Korea which will seek to encourage progress toward
North-South reconciliation, peace on the Korean peninsula, a
constructive relationship with the United States, and greater stability
in the region. These are the goals South Korean President
Kim Dae-Jung and I discussed during his visit here last
March. I look forward to working with him.

Our approach will offer North Korea the opportunity to demonstrate the
seriousness of its desire for improved relations. If North
Korea responds affirmatively and takes appropriate action, we will
expand our efforts to help the North Korean people, ease sanctions, and
take other political steps.

I have asked Secretary of State Powell to outline our approach to South
Korean Foreign Minister Han when they meet tomorrow here in Washington
and we will also inform our allies in Japan.